PNF Stretching

PNF Stretching for Hamstrings

Detecting muscle spasm pains ahead of time is difficult if not impossible, but preventing them isn't complicated. Use a technique called Propioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation or PNF stretching.

PNF Stretching Techniques

PNF -- or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation -- exercises involve stretching a muscle or group of muscles, contracting the same muscle isometrically for at least three seconds, and then stretching it farther. PNF stretches effectively...

PNF Stretching for the Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff is a series of four muscles surrounding the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff muscles serve to both stabilize the shoulder joint and support its movement. Because of the shoulder joint's high degree of mobility, the rotator cuff...

What is a PNF Stretch?

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is resistance applied to an extremity with an initial isometric contraction --- a muscle contraction with no movement --- for a minimum of six seconds followed by a complete relaxation of the muscle being...

PNF Stretches for My Neck

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, or PNF, is a long term that describes a type of stretching. Typically this involves another person providing resistance as you contract and then relax the muscle group you wish to stretch. You actually...

PNF Stretches for Your Neck

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, also known as PNF stretching, is a variety of stretches that involves two types of stretches: passive stretching and isometric stretching. These stretches are the most effective way to increase...

PNF Hip Stretches

PNF stretching, or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching, is an effective type of stretching that increases range of motion. Because the hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, the type with the greatest capacity for range of motion...

PNF Groin Stretches

Tight groin muscles are more likely to result in a groin strain or injury. Stretching helps prevent injuries and rehabilitate existing problems in the groin muscles. The groin muscles include the pectineus, adductor brevis, adductor longus,...

PNF Hamstring Stretches

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, or PNF, stretches are advanced partner stretches. The technique includes passive stretching, relaxing and contracting the muscle. Your partner stretches and then releases the stretch, then you contract...

PNF Style Stretches for the Quads & Hip Flexor

The hip flexor muscles are what allow you to bring your hip forward, facilitating such necessary actions as walking, climbing stairs and sitting down. The hip flexors are part of the quadriceps muscle group on the front of your thighs, but the...

Rear Shoulder Stretches

On the rear of the shoulder is a muscle known as the posterior deltoid. The posterior deltoid, or rear deltoid, can get tight, causing pain or inflexibility in the back of your shoulder. You might even feel pain in your neck. Different types of...

Aggressive Stretching for the Legs

Stretching can be divided into four basic categories. Static stretching means tensing the muscle to a slight discomfort and holding the position for 30 to 45 seconds. Ballistic stretching uses a bouncing motion when you reach the end point of your...

The Four Well-Known Stretching Techniques

Stretching is a valuable component in any fitness program. It helps you improve your flexibility and range of motion and can also help improve your performance and prevent injury. Daily stretching also relieves tension stored in your muscles and...

How to Use PNF Techniques With Gymnastics

PNF techniques, or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, is a type of stretching that enhances flexibility. Because PNF stretching affects the flexibility of muscles faster than static stretching, it is an effective technique used by...

Stretches & Exercises for Stroke Patients

A stroke is an emergency mainly because the amount of time blood flow stops affects how much of the brain is damaged. After the damage, there are several methods for rehabilitation. These include different types of stretches and exercises.

How Often Do Gymnasts Stretch?

Gymnastics requires extensive flexibility. Gymnasts must stretch at least once every day, but many gymnasts stretch multiple times per day. Different types of stretching must be incorporated for optimal effectiveness. Regardless of the type of...

Proprioceptive Training Exercises

Stretching can be done in three general ways: static, dynamic and proprioceptive. The latter, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation -- also known as PNF -- works on a contract-relax sequence to stretch a muscle and its connective tissue. This...

Does Stretching Help Muscle Growth?

According to the American Council on Exercise, stretching is an integral component of fitness and should be a part of any workout program. The act of stretching elongates muscles and increases the body's range of motion. Additionally, scientific...

Most Effective Stretches for Flexibility

Flexibility training helps increase the range of motion around a joint. Increased range of motion not only helps when swinging a golf club or a baseball bat, it also makes it easier to turn around while backing up your car, or to reach down to tie...

Isometric Trunk Exercises for Stroke Patients

Isometric trunk exercises for stroke patients are designed to increase range of motion in your extremities while strengthening your trunk and lower back muscles. Depending on the severity of the stroke, you may need assistance when performing...

Worst Muscle Flexibility Stretches

Flexibility allows you to easily move body parts that surround joints through a full range of motion. Muscles and joint structures can become tight due to inactivity, aging or injury. (Daily stretching exercises help to increase flexibility and...

Types of Stretching for DOMS or Injury

Delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS, is a type of muscle soreness that develops hours after rigorous exercise. Excessive microscopic muscle tears contribute to DOMS. A muscle strain or muscle tear injury can also occur after a strenuous...

Assisted Leg Stretching

You train hard to get strong, defined muscles. But no matter how awesome your physique looks, too-tight leg muscles can pull your joints out of alignment and set you up for injury. While you can do your best to stretch on your own, assisted...

Exercises for Hamstring Lengthening

The hamstring muscle group is commonly the weakest in the body in relationship to other major muscle groups. This weakness is caused by inactivity coupled with a lot of sitting. When muscles are not being used, they become overactive, tight and...

Can I Be as Flexible as a Gymnast?

Gymnasts are known for their extensive flexibility. The split leaps, straddled jumps and back bending poses required in gymnastics call for limber, pliable muscles. If you aspire to have the flexibility of a gymnast, you will need determination...

Pectoral Stretching for Posture

Stretching is a very important but often overlooked aspect of any physical training plan. Your muscles can become tight after training sessions or because of the way you naturally sit and stand. Many people find the pectorals, or chest muscles,...

Exercises to Stretch the Piriformis Muscle

Incorrect posture, and lack of muscle strengthening or use, can cause tightness in the piriformis muscle. One of a group of muscles that rotate the hip outward, the piriformis is located deep in the buttocks. A postural distortion called swayback...

How to Do the Splits Longer

Gymnasts, acrobatic dancers, cheerleaders, swimmers, figure skaters, martial arts and yoga practitioners are among those who perform splits. Hip and knee-joint pain, which often accompanies splits, signals a need for greater flexibility or...